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Pictured are the students and organizations recognized during the inaugural HGTC Celebration
of Success ceremony on May 6, 2026, on the Conway Campus. The pre-commencement event
honored outstanding graduates, student leaders, and organizations for excellence in
academics, leadership, and service.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) recently recognized outstanding student achievement during its inaugural Celebration of Success ceremony held May 6 on the Conway Campus.
The new pre-commencement event was created to honor exceptional graduates who exemplified leadership, service, and student involvement across the College while also recognizing students who achieved high levels of academic success. Held on the lawn in front of Building 300, the ceremony brought together students, families, faculty, staff, and College leadership to celebrate the accomplishments of students who have demonstrated excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
“This inaugural Celebration of Success provided an opportunity to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of our students before commencement,” said Dr. Marilyn “Murph” Fore, president of Horry-Georgetown Technical College. “These students represent the very best of HGTC through their academic achievement, leadership, perseverance, and commitment to their future careers and communities. We are incredibly proud of each of them and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in the years ahead.”
In addition to recognizing students in attendance who achieved exceptional grade point averages, the following students and organizations were honored during the 2026 Celebration of Success ceremony:
- Academic Excellence Award, Business Administration: Clayton Guerry
- Professional Leadership Award, Cosmetology: Braelynn Lacerda
- Rising Star Award, Computer Technology: Harper Chapman
- Outstanding Graduate, Paralegal: Rebecca Brooks
- Outstanding Graduate, Philosophy: Sue-Lyn Antonette Young
- Outstanding Graduate, Science: Jerry David Gordon
- Outstanding Graduate, HVAC: Peter Canazaro
- Outstanding Graduate, Golf & Sports Turf Management: Ken Williams
- Outstanding Graduate, Construction Management: Adnan “Dean” Stewart
- Outstanding Graduate, Culinary Arts: Madelyn Chance
- Outstanding Graduate, Baking & Pastry Arts: Brenna Boniface
- Culinary Arts Young Professional Award: Noah Garza
- Academic Excellence Award, Occupational Therapy Assistant: Hailey Rappeno
- Academic Excellence Award, Dental Hygiene: Joshua Murillo Ponce
- Academic Excellence Award, Radiologic Technology: Branna Katlynn Richardson
- Excellence in Leadership, Surgical Technology: Rhett Simmons
- Outstanding Leadership, Nursing: Kylee Cook
- Outstanding Leadership, Practical Nursing: Andrea Medley
- Outstanding Leadership, Emergency Medical Services: Madison Hord
- Dual Enrollment Excellence Award, Arts: Victoria Wills
- TRIO Achiever Award, Science: Juan Carreno Perez
- Student Organization Leader of the Year, Culinary Abroad Club: Emiliano Melendez
- Student Organization Advisor of the Year: Matthew Servedio
- Student Organization of the Year: Alpha Beta Gamma
The Celebration of Success ceremony was held as part of the College’s broader commencement season and reflects HGTC’s continued commitment to recognizing student achievement and success across all academic programs and student experiences.